a replacement bridge that captured the architectural spirit of the original . According to the Wisconsin Historical Society , the bridge contains decorative terra cotta relief panels produced by the Northwestern Terra Cotta Company in Chicago that depict gargoyles , eagles , bison , ships , and agricultural symbols . Along the 58-foot-wide deck , ceramic tile panels feature colorful , geometric patterned squares .
In the first phase of the study , Ayres is providing estimates of the scour and stream instability potential at all the bridges
as they currently exist , along with recommendations of mitigation concepts for consideration . In the second phase , Ayres will evaluate alternatives and develop designs for scour countermeasures at each bridge needing mitigation . Phase 1 of the project is expected to be completed in spring 2021 , and it will continue with Phase 2 .
Bridging History : Designers Capture Architectural Spirit of Racine Bridge
The City of Racine , Wisconsin ’ s West 6th Street Bridge over the Root River and Horlick Drive is in need of replacement . Designed by famed bridge architect Charles Whitney , the 1928 Art Deco bridge is a historical and architectural icon , but deficiencies in the 161-foot-long combination open spandrel concrete arch structure have caused its rating to fall well below acceptable standards .
In August 2016 , Ayres ’ design professionals were asked to assist in eliciting stakeholder desires and concerns to design
Ayres hosted a half-day design charrette with stakeholders , representatives of the City of Racine , and representatives of the Wisconsin Department of Transportation , during which Ayres ’ designers presented aesthetic alternatives and opportunities for interpreting the architectural spirit of the historic bridge in a new structure . Following the charrette , Ayres developed a digital 3D model and rendered perspectives of a new bridge with architectural features evocative of the historic bridge . HD scanning allowed designers to capture the unique features of the existing bridge in measurable digital detail to aid in emulating those features in the new structure ' s design .
The selected design is slated to be built in 2022 . It will include an arch design façade with decorative lighting . Ayres ’ designers also incorporated mosaic panels on the bridge faces , and interpretive signs along the multi-use path will inform users of the bridge ’ s history .
28 | TRENDS Ingenuity , Integrity , and Intelligence .